Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Vendor will be required to operate the Bookstore in the existing university Bookstore located in the Fisher Student Center, on a 12-month basis, based on the university’s academic calendar (university calendar link in Background). The university reserves the right, upon consultation with the Contractor, to establish or change the service hours, plans, or other methods of operation of the UNCW Bookstore. 2. The Vendor should operate according to the following pricing policies: a. All new paperbacks and trade books should be sold at prices no higher than the publisher’s suggested retail prices. b. Textbook Pricing Policy should be clearly stated in a schedule, and the university requests the following as guidance: New books to be sold at no greater than the publisher’s retail list price or a 25% gross margin on net priced books; Used books should be sold in good condition at a discount of no less than 25% off the current retail selling (or publisher’s list price) for the same textbooks. c. All other non-book merchandise should be sold at prices based on margins not higher than the normal gross profit margins for such merchandise within nationally accepted standards for such pricing with respect to the college and university market. The vendor should specify the gross margins for use in the following categories: General merchandise, Emblematic clothing and merchandise, Computer supplies and software, School supplies, Café and other convenience items, Gift items, Education supplies, and Graduation gifts and diploma frames. 3. The university may request and shall receive from the Vendor proof that the above pricing policies are being followed. Information shall be provided by the Vendor at the earliest possible time following its receipt of the university’s request. 4. In exceptional cases only involving changes in university and college bookstore market conditions that are outside of the Vendor’s control, the Vendor may request a mutual review and decision with respect to pricing policies at any time during the year. The university and Vendor shall determine the effective date of any such changes in policies. 5. The Vendor should provide for charge sales of books, supplies, and all other merchandise to students, faculty, and staff through Master Card, Visa, American Express, and the UNCW One Card. The Vendor should also provide for charge sales to university Departments where appropriate. The Vendor should accept personal checks from students, faculty, and staff in a reasonable amount in payment for purchases, subject to appropriate identification. 6. The Vendor should post, in conspicuous places, bookstore policies concerning refunds, buybacks, exchanges, rentals, and discounts. The Vendor should provide a refund policy that is developed with students’ welfare in mind to encourage repeat business.
